There was lots of purple – the colour of the campaign against domestic violence – at a bake sale to benefit the Three Oaks women’s shelter Monday. Working at the sale were (from left) Josh Mitchell, Tabaitha Grand Mond, Amber Hayes and Jennifer Loner. Photo by Morgan Davy
By Morgan Davy
BELLEVILLE – Students at Loyalist College are getting involved in the campaign against domestic violence.
Students in the social-service work program held a bake sale on Monday featuring lots of purple icing – since purple is the colour chosen for the campaign. All proceeds went to the Three Oaks women’s shelter in Belleville.
“This whole thing is basically to raise awareness for domestic violence. That’s what all the purple is for. It’s our representative colour,” said student Josh Mitchell, who was working at the bake sale.
On Nov. 21 the esthetics and spa management course held a spa night offering manicures and pedicures for $5 each. The event raised around $800 for Three Oaks, and another is scheduled for March.
Jennifer Loner, training and education coordinator with Three Oaks, said the shelter teams up with a small group from the school each year and puts together different fundraisers.
“Younger generations need to hear it, and be willing to do something about it, which they have. They’ve been awesome here,” she said.
The entire month of November is designated to raise awareness, but Nov. 25 is the actual Elimination of Domestic Violence Day.
Loner said the shelter in Belleville is full and there is a high need for such spaces in Belleville.
“We can kind of shut our eyes to the violence around us if we don’t want to see it, but it very much is an issue in our community and even on our campuses. We’re hoping to bring that awareness to everybody,” she said.